Drones are an incredible tool for capturing breathtaking views of Colorado’s landscapes, assisting in inspections, or simply enjoying a fun hobby. However, with great power comes great responsibility!
As a drone pilot in 2025, understanding Colorado’s drone laws is essential to flying safely and legally. Here's a straightforward guide to help you navigate the rules.
Where Can You Fly Drones Legally in Colorado?
In Colorado, you can fly drones in many public and private spaces, but there are restriction and locations that require special permission to operate over. Here's what you need to know:
Public Land: Flying is generally allowed in most city and county parks. Always check local rules before flying, some municipalities have bans or require special permits.
State Parks: Drones are not allowed in Colorado state parks unless you have permssion which you can get by contacting the park manager. Be prepared to outline your purpose, flight plan, and safety plan in detail.
National Parks: Flying drones is not allowed in national parks. Colorado is home to stunning parks like Rocky Mountain National Park, but these areas are off-limits to drones unless you have a permit.
Flying a drone in U.S. national parks is prohibited without a Special Use Permit (SUP), typically granted for purposes like scientific research or resource management. To apply, contact the park’s administration, submit a detailed application with proof of FAA compliance and insurance, pay the required fees, and await approval.
Restricted Areas: Avoid military bases, prisons, and wildlife refuges as these areas often have strict no-fly zones and it can be difficult to obtain permits to fly in these areas.
Use apps like B4UFLY or AirMap to check if your planned flight location is in restricted airspace.
News: Manitou Springs Proposes Significant Change Drone laws
Recently, Manitou Springs proposed new regulations that may limit the public flying of drones, specifically targeting activities that "interfere with property enjoyment" and attempting to establish "City Airspace" as controllable by the city.
As cities like Manitou Springs continue to refine their drone laws, it's important to check local ordinances or official websites for the most up-to-date information.
Colorado Towns with Special Drone Laws
In addition to federal regulations, several Colorado municipalities have implemented their own drone laws and application processes. Here are some notable examples:
City of Denver
Denver's Department of Parks and Recreation prohibits the operation of drones in any park facilities unless in areas specifically designated for such activities by the DPR Executive Director. These designated areas, such as model airplane or helicopter flying zones, may have additional rules and regulations posted on-site. Learn more here.
City of Boulder
Boulder prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones on any Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) land without a permit. Permits are typically issued for public land and wildlife management, research, search and rescue, and public safety purposes. Recreational drone use is generally not permitted in these areas. Learn more here.
City of Cherry Hills Village
Cherry Hills Village requires all drones to be registered with the FAA and prohibits drone operations over city property, including public streets, trails, parks, and public buildings, without written authorization from the City Manager. Additionally, operating a drone over another person's private property without their consent is prohibited. Learn more here.
City of Louisville
Launching, landing, or operating a drone in any city park or open space is prohibited, except for emergency landings by city law and code enforcement officers. Learn more here.
City of Loveland
Loveland allows recreational drone use without a permit in designated areas within specific parks, including Barnes Park and Fairgrounds Fields, Centennial Park, Fairgrounds Park, Loveland Sports Park, Mehaffey Park, and North Lake Park. Flying over people or crowds is prohibited, and drones must not fly near nesting birds or be used to discharge or drop any payload. Learn more here.
City of Fort Collins
Fort Collins prohibits the operation of motorized aircraft, including drones, in any area designated and posted by the city as a natural area. Learn more here.
Town of Telluride
Operating a drone over town property requires a permit issued by the Town Manager. Applications must be submitted at least five business days before the intended flight date and must specify the exact dates, times, and locations for the flight. All town property must remain open to the public during drone operations unless additional permissions for closures are obtained. The town may also charge fees for the use of its property or resources. Learn more here.
Always check with local authorities or official city websites for the most current information and any required permits or permissions.
How High Can You Fly A Drone in Colorado?
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) restricts how high you can fly a drone to ensure the safety of both manned and unmanned aircraft in the airspace. The primary reason for the restriction is to prevent drone operations from interfering with commercial, private, and military aircraft, which typically fly at higher altitudes.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules cap your drone’s altitude at 400 feet above ground level (AGL). This ensures safe distances from manned aircraft and protects everyone’s airspace.
Do You Need a Part 107 Certification to Fly A Drone in Colorado?
If you’re flying a drone for commercial purposes—whether it's real estate photography, inspections, or any money-making activity—you need a Part 107 certification.
There is no work around for this rule. If you are using a drone to "further a cause" paid or unpaid, you should consider pursuing a certification.
Examples of Commercial Drone Uses Under Part 107
Real Estate Photography
Roof Inspections
Agricultural Monitoring
Construction Site Photography
Event Coverage: Sports, weddings, etc
Vlogging: Anything posted to a channel that is monetized or plans to monetize
Surveying and Mapping
Advertising: Using drones to create content to advertise a business or cause.
Search and Rescue Operations
Media Production: Capturing footage for movies, TV shows, or news outlets.
Examples of Hobby Drone Flying That Don’t Require Part 107 Certification
Recreational Photography: Capturing aerial photos or videos for personal enjoyment without any intent to sell or use them commercially.
Flying for Fun: Purely for the joy of flying.
Joining Drone Clubs or Events: Drone meetups, races, or exhibitions.
Learning and Practicing
Exploring Local Scenery: Using a drone for personal experiences.
Building and Testing Drones
These activities fall under the FAA’s recreational flying rules, which require compliance with The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and adherence to community-based guidelines, but they are not governed by Part 107 since there’s no commercial intent.
How to Get a Part 107 Certification in Colorado
Study: Review the FAA’s study materials, which cover topics like airspace classification, weather, and drone operation.
Take the Test: Schedule your Part 107 test at an FAA-approved testing center. The test includes 60 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll need a score of 70% or higher to pass.
Register Your Drone: Any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA.
Renew Your Certification: Part 107 certificates must be renewed every two years by completing a free online training course.
What Is a TRUST Certification?
The TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) certification is required for hobbyist drone pilots. It’s free, easy, and ensures you understand the basics of safe drone operation. You can take the TRUST test online through Pilot Institute.
Rules for Flying Over People and Cars
The FAA has strict rules about flying over people and moving vehicles:
Operations Over People (OOP): Flying a drone over people is permitted under FAA rules if you meet certain conditions. Your drone must either weigh less than 0.55 pounds and be equipped with a safety feature, such as propeller guards. Alternatively, your drone must be certified for safe flight over people under the FAA’s Operational Category Rules (Category 1–4). Always avoid flying directly over large crowds or gatherings and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
Operations Over Cars: Flying a drone over moving vehicles is generally prohibited unless specific safety conditions are met.
The drone must remain over a closed- or restricted site, and all people inside a moving vehicle within area must be on notice that a small unmanned aircraft may fly over them; or
The small unmanned aircraft must not maintain sustained flight over moving vehicles. This is key for many operations where you breifly pass over moving vehicles in route to you main operation area.
Colorado Drone Laws 2025 for Flying Near Airports
Colorado’s airports, from Denver International (DIA) to smaller regional hubs, are surrounded by controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or E), requiring authorization to fly.
Drone pilots can use the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system to request permission for flights near airports. Always prioritize safety by avoiding runways, keeping your drone within visual line of sight (VLOS), and never interfering with manned aircraft operations.
Learn more about obtaining a waiver or LAANC authorization here.
Final Thoughts
Drone laws might seem overwhelming at first, but following these rules ensures everyone’s safety and keeps Colorado’s skies open for enjoyment. Whether you’re snapping real estate photos, exploring a new hobby, or flying commercially, staying informed is key.
If you have questions about drone laws or need professional drone services, contact Jeeves Drones. We’re here to help you navigate the skies responsibly!
For more updates and resources, visit jeevesdrones.com.
Comments